Sligo Rovers late collapse in Derry meets Bohs’ Aviva clean sheet as two of pre-season’s bright lights collide at The Showgrounds on Saturday.

Sligo Rovers begin their first home game of 2026 looking for a sharper finish than their opener at the Brandywell. John Russell’s side led through Hakiki’s 31st-minute strike, but conceded twice late on to lose 2–1, with Derry turning it around in the 82nd minute and again in stoppage time. 

Bohemians arrive in the northwest with a point on the board and a defensive platform already established. Alan Reynolds’ side opened the season with a 0–0 draw against St Patrick’s Athletic at the Aviva Stadium, a game in which Bohs had the clearest chances, particularly through Conor Parsons, but could not find the finish to match their control. 

Key Information

Kick Off: 19:45, Saturday 14 February 2026 

Where to Watch: LOITV 

Betting Odds: Sligo Rovers @3.09, Draw @3.32, Bohemians @2.31 

Referee: TBC

Match Officials: Shane O’Brien (1st assistant), Conor Fitzgibbon (2nd assistant), Paul Deering (observer), Eamon Naughton (delegate)

 

Team News

Neither club have confirmed suspensions from opening weekend at the time of writing, but both managers are expected to monitor bumps and bruises after a physically demanding first round. Sligo’s selection focus will be on maintaining intensity deep into the second half after conceding twice late in Derry, while Bohs will weigh how aggressive to be in the wide areas given the travel and a tight turnaround from the Aviva opener with the hopeful return of last season’s talisman Douglas James-Taylor.

Key Statistics

Four of the last five meetings between these sides have either finished level or been decided by a single goal, reinforcing just how narrow the margins tend to be when Sligo Rovers and Bohemians meet. Only one of those games produced more than two goals, suggesting another low-margin contest unless an early breakthrough changes the script.

There is also a unique off-field symmetry to this fixture. Sligo Rovers have played at The Showgrounds since their formation in 1928, and the ground itself is owned in trust “for the people of Sligo”. Bohemians, founded in 1890, remain one of the oldest supporter-owned clubs in world football. In a league increasingly shaped by financial pressures, this is a meeting of two member-owned institutions where identity and sustainability still matter as much as the result.

Key Players

Hakiki looks central to Sligo’s threat after getting off the mark on opening night, and his ability to arrive in scoring areas again could decide whether Sligo turn promising spells into points. The permanent signing of Ryan O’Kane after his stellar spell with The Bit O’Red in 2025 helped them secure their Premier Division spot for the season.

For Bohemians, Sam Todd embodies the defensive platform Reynolds is trying to build. Bohs kept a clean sheet at the Aviva in their opener, and Todd’s aerial dominance and organisation were key to that control. Against a Sligo side that will look to respond aggressively at home, his ability to win first contacts and manage defensive transitions could prove decisive.

Previous Meetings

30/08/25 – Sligo Rovers 0-0 Bohemians

15/08/25 – Bohemians 0-1 Sligo Rovers (FAI Cup)

27/06/25 – Bohemians 1-1 Sligo Rovers

10/05/25 – Sligo Rovers 0-1 Bohemians

04/04/25 – Bohemians 4-2 Sligo Rovers